“Not to Compete, But to Complete Each Other”
After attending, “The Role of Women Business Leaders in Creating a Healthy and Sustainable Economy” program with the Women’s Federation for World Peace USA, there is no doubt in my mind that this organization will help guide the world toward peace. The stories the women shared of how they built the foundations of their successful companies and organizations; by leaning on the vision of leading their lives with a culture of heart to serve the needs of others was inspiring because, in this day and age, you do not tend to hear such messages of positivity where the heart is the center of one’s purpose. Dr. Vorias’s statement about the importance of courage was touching because heart-driven courage produces great leaders who help change the world for good. The courage of great leaders toward humanity cannot be measured; yet, these leaders were and are fearless to ignite change to create a more peaceful existence for humanity. The more I learn about Mother Moon and her courage and sacrifice of herself to help bring peace to humanity, the more I believe and see there is great hope for a peaceful existence for generations to come.
The message that teaches women’s empathetic nature as empowerment was powerful because so often in society, traits that historically come more naturally to women are viewed in opposition to features that come more naturally to men. The WFWP teaches these different traits not as oppositions but instead as complements to each other, which the younger generation needs to witness. For too long, we have been told we must work twice as hard to compete with men, but that is not the case. As spoken by President Selle, “We are here to complete, not compete with men.” Women do not have to compete with men to be their best selves; they can aid in “completing” in life and world arenas by being their “authentic” selves. Hearing the words spoken about women’s authentic, loving, and empathetic nature made me reflect on the George Floyd incident. When life was being drawn from his body, George Floyd yelled as loud as possible for his mother. As he was dying, he called out for his mom. His will to call for a woman, his mother, comes from the natural gift God gives women to protect, love, heal, and provide hope. When mothers across the world heard him call out, they shared their love, compassion, empathy, strength, and prayers—this is how women complete and will lead humanity toward peace.
By Laylah Whitworth, WFWP Intern
Overcoming Uncertainties Through Feminine Qualities
The Role of Women Business Leaders in Creating a Healthy and Sustainable Economy webinar presented a panel of women in leadership roles who commented on and conversed with one another. One of the many challenges women business leaders face, as introduced by Dr. Purnima Voria early on, is the pressure of fear and uncertainty. Fear and uncertainty appear in different forms within a business - from fear in communities and organizational environments through uncertainty about economic outcomes from the COVID-19 pandemic and in oneself.
However, having the courage to conquer those fears, becoming flexible and understanding and authentic in oneself, collaborating with men, and supporting women helps resolve the tension of fear and uncertainty. In my own participatory experience in the webinar, these qualities are important reminders to takeaway from challenges not only within areas of business and the economy, but additionally in other educational and professional levels. That is to say, having the courage to overcome fears and uncertainties through feminine qualities such as flexibility and willingness to hear others allows for a greater collaborative approach and opportunity to become more authentic in oneself.
By Carla Reyes-Arroyo, WFWP Intern
